Mel's Drive In Restaurant

CC SA-BY Our Oakland

There was a Mel's Drive In Restaurant at 1701 San Pablo from 1954/55 until the 1970s, in a streamlined (or "expressionistic moderne") building designed by William B. David, an architect who was best known for designing art deco theaters. ^1 2 The building is still there, and is currently home to a hair salon (Liz and Co. Hair Salon) and other businesses.

The site was formerly the location of the Esquire Theatre, and the Reliance Athletic Club before that.

According to people on the Oakland History group on Facebook, other businesses have included: medical equipment and supplies, tool rentals, and cannabis dispensary (c.2006-2008). ³

c.1963, the Selective Service Induction Center was nearby, and they would give you a chit for lunch at Mel's. ³

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Links and References

1. An Architectural Guidebook to San Francisco and the Bay Area, Susan Dinkelspiel Cerny
2. Polk's Oakland city directory, 1967
3. Oakland History group on Facebook

• William B. David on Pacific Coast Architecture Database
• William B. David, Architect, on International Architecture Database